Examining the acceptability of providing hair or fingernail samples as a biomarker of physiological stress among older adolescents.

The study examined the acceptability of using hair and fingernail samples as biomarkers of physiological stress among older adolescents, with 110 participants aged 17-22. It found that 55.5% were willing to provide either sample, while 7.3% were willing to provide only hair or only nails. Willingness to provide hair samples was influenced by concerns about hair being cut and discomfort with hair collection, whereas nail sampling willingness was negatively associated only with discomfort with the idea of nail collection. Informational videos did not significantly change willingness. The study concludes that nail sampling is feasible for adolescent health research, with acceptability levels comparable to hair sampling, and highlights the need to address discomfort-related concerns to improve participation.